New data from Tech Climbers in the Liverpool City Region has revealed that the region’s tech sector is maturing at a rapid pace, with just under two-thirds (57%) utilising ‘tech for good’ and establishing a clear, purpose-driven identity.
With 83% of this year’s entrants actively seeking investment, a 4% increase from last year’s data, the region’s innovators are showcasing ambition and opportunity for investors. 66% have already received some level of funding, with 43% having raised over £500k, and 23% raising £1M+.
Tech Climbers is an annual regional list showcasing the rising stars of the region’s tech sector, focusing on product-led innovation.
The newly released 2026 list of Tech Climbers, now in its sixth year, featured 17 businesses, with a further 10 named ‘ones to watch’. 66% of entrants this year were new to Tech Climbers, showcasing the initiatives’ growing reputation as a platform for talent.
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The number of startups in Liverpool is on the rise, with just under a third (27.8%) of entrants in their first year of trading, compared to 19% in 2025. This was reflected in the type of funding sought by entrants, with just over half (53.2%) seeking early-stage funding. However, the ambition of the region’s ecosystem is clear – with around 236 jobs expected to be created.
With new funding initiatives from the likes of PXN Group launching with a target to unlock £1 billion in funding across the North of the UK by 2030, investor appetite is matching the ambition of the talent.
The data also showed that 85% of Liverpool’s innovators are utilising AI to solve tangible, real-world challenges across health, accessibility and sustainability.
This year’s Tech Climbers list continued to demonstrate the strength of Liverpool’s growing MedTech and Life Sciences sector, including MyCardium AI, a returning entrant which was recently named one of the UK’s top 16 AI startups to watch according to venture capitalists by Sifted. It comes as the city region continues to invest in the sector, including the recent £2bn Liverpool City Region Investment Fund launching with a clear focus on delivering high quality office and lab space.
Alongside the main list, three companies were recognised in individual categories. This year’s Impressive Innovator award went to Guilford Street Laboratories, a university spinout combining biomarker science with AI-powered analytics. The Relentless Raiser category, awarded to those demonstrating remarkable business ideas on track to secure investment went to Evove, a deeptech company accelerating the transition to a new energy economy through precision membrane technology. Finally, the Innovating with Impact award went to MyCardium AI, a company equipping cardiovascular clinicians with AI-powered insight.
Anna Heyes, business director at Tangerine Communications, and founder of Tech Climbers said: “It’s our sixth year in the Liverpool City Region, and the ecosystem continues to scale at an impressive pace. It’s clear that Liverpool is carving out its own path of mission-led innovation, utilising AI for good, and setting a clear point of difference compared to other tech hubs across the globe.
“Whilst the data shows an increase in startups, we can clearly see from returning entrants that founders aren’t just starting here – they’re scaling, showing a real pride of place and ambition. And this hunger is now matched by strategic, focused public and private sector funding initiatives, something we’ve long championed throughout our years here in Liverpool.”
Antony Shimmin, director, co-founder and COO at award winner MyCardium AI added: “Over the last few years, we’ve been a part of Liverpool’s growing reputation as a national hub for MedTech, and it’s fantastic to see the data reflecting this growth. We’re proud to be a mission-led company, championing the use of technology for better patient outcomes.
“We’ve returned to Tech Climbers this year to connect with other founders and profile our product, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it shapes our trajectory for the next year.”
